Identifying relative clause

An identifying relative clause, also known as a defining or restrictive relative clause, is a relative clause that qualifies a noun, and tells us exactly which person or thing is being referred to - in other words, it defines that person or thing. Without them the sentences make little sense or have a rather different meaning. No commas are used.

Examples

• He likes people who are interested in sport.

• Students who do homework get the best results.

• A corkscrew is something which/that you use to open a bottle of wine.

• The computer which/that we bought was very expensive.

• The man who/that is coming will install the new programs.

that/who

You can use that

• Do you know anyone who/that plays rugby or cricket?

• Judith works for a company which/that makes computer software.

You can leave out that/who/which when it is the object

• We went to see the film (that/which) Caroline liked so much.

• This morning I met a friend (that/who) I hadn’t seen for ages.

See also

• Non-identifying relative clause
• Zero identifying clause

References

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